The aim of the book “The Clogs Tell their Story” is to bring the children into first contact with the subject of the Holocaust. Taking into account their sensitive age, the book presents the Holocaust through the experiences of a young boy, thus rendering the introduction of young readers to this difficult but crucial subject, easier. The story is based on true testimonies from the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, recorded at the Jewish Museum’s archives, as well as on authentic items from the Museum’s Holocaust collection. The illustrations are based on photos of the camp and information from survivors, who gave a lot of data about the layout of that camp and the living conditions there.
In the book, the clogs themselves tell their story of how, from their existence as a tree in German woods, they ended up in the Museum’s Holocaust Display Case, having a direct purpose: to tell their story to all visitors. Through the story of the clogs we get to know their wearer, an anonymous boy prisoner in the camp, and his feelings and fears.
The book may function autonomously or be used in a classroom to prepare children before a visit to the Museum. It may also assist parents who visit the Museum with their children.
